What is Israel’s Unit 8200, which allegedly planned Hezbollah pager attack?

The unit’s involvement was reportedly in the development phase, where it played a key role in embedding explosives into pagers ordered by Hezbollah.

By: Express Web Desk

Updated: September 19, 2024 02:46 AM IST

3 min read

Israel-Hezbollah War live updates: People gather outside American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) as more than 1,000 people, including Hezbollah fighters and medics, were wounded when the pagers they use to communicate exploded across Lebanon, according to a security source, in Beirut, Lebanon (Reuters)

The mass pager attack in Lebanon, which led to explosions in handheld devices and killed at least 14 people on Wednesday and 12 people on Tuesday, has turned the spotlight on Israel’s Unit 8200, which is reportedly involved in an audacious cyberattack against Hezbollah.

Although Israeli officials have remained silent, news agency Reuters citing sources reported that the operation was over a year in the making and required precision planning. The unit’s involvement was reportedly in the development phase, where it played a key role in embedding explosives into pagers ordered by Hezbollah.

Unit 8200, one of Israel’s most secretive and sophisticated military units, has gained global attention for its involvement in high-profile intelligence operations and cyber warfare. Part of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), this elite unit operates at the cutting edge of technological warfare, intelligence gathering, and cyber defence.

Often likened to the US National Security Agency (NSA), Unit 8200’s activities are believed to span a wide range of operations, from countering terrorist threats to launching cyberattacks.

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Known for recruiting some of the best and brightest personnel in Israel, Unit 8200 emphasises out-of-the-box thinking, technical expertise, and innovation. The unit trains young soldiers to handle complex intelligence tasks, including hacking, encryption, and surveillance.

Its alumni have gone on to shape Israel’s booming high-tech industry, founding companies such as Orca Security and influencing the country’s cybersecurity sector.

The unit’s activities extend beyond Israel’s borders. It has been linked to several high-profile cyber operations, including the Stuxnet virus attack that disrupted Iran’s nuclear program.

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In 2018, the IDF publicly acknowledged the unit’s role in thwarting an Islamic State air attack on a Western country, highlighting its dual role in intelligence gathering and cyber offense.

Also read | Hospitals inundated with the injured after Lebanon pager explosions

Despite its successes, Unit 8200 has faced criticism for failing to detect Hamas’ surprise assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Its commander resigned shortly after, acknowledging the unit’s shortcomings.

Nevertheless, Unit 8200 remains a vital part of Israel’s defence apparatus, continuously adapting to new challenges in the ever-evolving realm of cyber warfare.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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